Opposition Sen. Malaka Parker has called for an independent audit of spending and procurement associated with CHOGM 2026, saying Antigua and Barbuda must account for the summit’s costs and demonstrate how its promised benefits will reach citizens.
In a statement following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Parker urged the government to publish a consolidated financial report, CHOGM-related contracts and details of donated assets, with audit findings presented to Parliament and the public.
“What was budgeted and ultimately spent?” she asked.
Parker also sought details of who received contracts, the procurement processes used, and how assets purchased or donated for the summit would be used afterward. She questioned what economic benefits were generated, who benefited and whether the country received value for money.
The senator welcomed international commitments announced in areas including environmental conservation, eye healthcare, climate resilience, renewable energy, trade and youth entrepreneurship. However, she cautioned that announcements alone did not establish that Antigua and Barbuda had secured resources.
She proposed a public register of international pledges, partnerships and funding opportunities, showing what had been promised, what had been secured and how citizens and businesses could access the benefits.
Parker said farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, women-owned businesses and young entrepreneurs should have fair access to those opportunities, free from political favouritism.
She also criticised what she described as the limited inclusion of opposition parliamentarians in the summit’s programme.
According to Parker, opposition MPs, apart from the parliamentary representative for Barbuda, were not given comparable opportunities to participate as panellists in key discussions. She said opposition representation was also absent from other important invitation-only engagements and called for an explanation.
While raising those concerns, Parker praised the more than 600 volunteers, along with public servants, cultural performers, security personnel, hospitality workers, organisers and service providers.
She welcomed the gains made by entrepreneurs and small businesses, while expressing sympathy for businesses that lost income because of heightened security measures.
Parker also commended citizens who peacefully advocated for reparatory justice, environmental protection and public access to beaches during the summit. She said their participation strengthened the event and demonstrated the importance of public engagement.
The senator congratulated Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her first CHOGM and welcomed her emphasis on democratic, economic and environmental resilience.
Parker said the summit’s lasting value should be judged by improvements in the lives of ordinary Antiguans and Barbudans, alongside stronger institutions, environmental protection and fair access to national opportunities.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Opposition senator calls for independent audit of Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM spending.